The field trip was an opportunity for students to see original art work and taking time to understand the meaning, stories or different ways artists communicate with their visual voice.

The field trip was mostly funded by a Target Field Trip Grant, without the grant I would not have been able to give my students this wonderful experience. The students met in the art room at 8:00 am to prepare to board the bus. Excitement filled the room and our artists headed to the Nation's Capitol.

​The morning had a spring rain that forced us to walk quickly through the sculpture garden before heading into the museum. In the first moments in the gallery were filled with excitement and students gathered for a group photo before getting to explore a few rooms looking at landscapes, still life paintings and portraits. We met our three guides who had generously given students each sketchbooks to record their visit and fill with responses to art work throughout the day. Students were divided into three groups inspired by artists who have work in the National Gallery of Art collection: DaVinci, O'Keeffe, and Dali.

The National Gallery of Art had wonderful docents who planned carefully art work, discussions and the activities that would guide students through the museum. Prior to our trip I was contacted by the education team who talked to me about the student groups and their learning needs. The groups were differentiated for my Language Learners who were able to do drawing activities in their provided museum sketchbook. Other groups of students were guided through discussions and written activities as we discovered 4-5 pieces of art in the collection. The trip opened the eyes of my students to art and finding the story waiting to be discovered when you take the time to LOOK!

Reflections on the museum field trip:​

Meer:"My favorite part of the museum was the collection had not only old but new paintings."Stephanie:"I liked the circle of life painting group and how deep and emotional the work was together."Danna:"My favorite piece in the collection was a nautical boat scene by Winslow Homer. I loved the colors used in the intense weather scene"​